Great Lakes 659

Lettuce

70d to harvest

Cool, crisp perfection begins with Great Lakes 659—an elegant crisphead forming tight, uniform heads that feel satisfyingly dense and snap with a clean, watery crunch. The flavor is fresh and gently sweet, with a pale, buttery interior and crisp outer leaves that hold their structure beautifully in the garden. Grow it for classic crisphead salads and refreshing wedges, and enjoy its dependable, market-ready texture at maturity in about 70 days.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 19th
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 9th
Harvest Begins	Apr 20th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	5

Recommended Companions

James' Scarlet Intermediate Carrot

French Breakfast 3 Radish

Red Burgermaster Onion

Granex Yellow Onion

Paris Market Carrot

Black Radish Radish

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Lactuca sativa during peak growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main growth phase (after seedlings establish), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for consistently damp soil 1–2 in (2–5 cm) deep. Water deeply about 2–3 times per week in typical home gardens, increasing to every 1–2 days during hot, windy weather. If leaves taste bitter or plants look stressed, it usually means the soil has dried too far between waterings.

How do I tell when Lactuca sativa 'Great Lakes 659' is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads (or leaf clusters, depending on how you’re growing it) reach the expected mature size and the leaves feel firm rather than limp. Look for maturity around 70 days from sowing and harvest on a cool morning before heat makes the leaves tougher. If you see the center starting to bolt (rapid vertical growth and flower stem forming), harvest immediately to get the best flavor.